Some summer plugs

Dear Editor:In the spirit of positive thinking, I decided to take a stroll though town and get a look at what’s new this summer.First up, Victoria’s has relocated, and in this case bigger is better, to Durant next to Belly Up. With a slightly industrial look, Victoria’s is a work in progress, but still the best coffee in town, place to have breakfast, lunch, a glass of wine, or for me – write. Rumor is they are testing the new kitchen and training staff on Friday nights, resulting in a $7 glass of wine for locals and some interesting appetizers at a price TBD.Escobar is another new outdoor adventure. With red bar stools marking its location on the Hyman mall, it is a friendly offering to have a drink, or a quick snack on some very comfortable sofas.The Saturday Farmers Market (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) is now a permanent three-block event with the ever-popular Louie Swiss bakery moving to Hyman, and holding down the early morning fort.The summer entertainment organized by Tammie Barr on the malls is in just beginning, and should be a blast for kids.Boogie’s big fundraiser/race is only days away – and a very tasty breakfast is now being served at my favorite diner at a great price.A number of new retailers have opened, and a few of our mainstays have found new locations with Arjuna Yoga opening a place in Basalt. And who doesn’t love miniature golf, the sport of kings – now front and center on the ice skating rink.Come August, the big bike race rolls through town, something new and very exciting.Finally on the environment side, while the hydro plant might be trouble, three new watering stations to fill up your water bottles and take a dent out of plastic bottle sales have sprung up. Which brings me to a favorite – Food & Wine. I wonder if together we can find a way to reduce the number of small Fiji water bottles as Aspen works toward Torre’s goal of plastic reduction.So, with the sun shining, and life in Aspen its usually fabulous self, enjoy the summer, and all Aspen has to offer … and if you’re a local, it never hurts to keep an eye on how City Council decides to spend our money.Andrew Kole Aspen